Create a Stunning Modern Art Table with Drainage Pipes: A DIY Guide

Ever dreamed of owning a piece of modern art furniture but hesitated due to the hefty price tag? What if you could create a captivating and functional art piece using readily available materials from your local home improvement store? This comprehensive guide unveils a brilliant DIY project that transforms ordinary drainage pipes into a stunning modern art table. Inspired by a creation from a talented Hollywood prop master, this project is surprisingly simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to add a unique touch to your home decor. Prepare to impress your guests and unleash your inner artist!

My friend Jimmy, a prop master in the film industry and a master of all things crafty, designed this amazing table. When I saw it in his house, I was immediately captivated. It resembled a museum-worthy piece of art, yet it was constructed from simple materials. Fortunately, Jimmy was generous enough to share the complete step-by-step instructions. So, grab your tools and get ready to transform your living space with this incredible DIY project!

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the construction process, let’s gather the necessary supplies. You can easily find these items at your local home improvement store. This project is designed to be adaptable, so feel free to explore different materials and finishes to match your personal style.

Drainage Pipe: Approximately 20 feet of 4-inch diameter drainage pipe. This will form the structural foundation of your table.
Vinyl Coated Wire Rope: About 26 feet of vinyl-coated galvanized wire rope. The vinyl coating adds durability and a sleek aesthetic.
Turnbuckles: Four turnbuckles. These are crucial for tightening and securing the structure, ensuring stability and a polished look. You can choose between steel or zinc-plated turnbuckles, depending on your budget and desired aesthetic.
Cable Clamps: Eight cable clamps. These will firmly secure the wire rope to the turnbuckles, providing a strong and reliable connection.
Stainless Steel Clamp: One stainless steel clamp. This will serve as a guide when cutting the drainage pipe, ensuring clean and accurate cuts.
Utility Knife: A strong utility knife for cutting the drainage pipe. A sharp blade is essential for making precise cuts.
Heavy Duty Wire Cutters: For cutting the wire rope. Invest in a good pair of wire cutters to make clean and safe cuts.

Important Note: The prices and materials of turnbuckles, clamps, and wire rope can vary widely. Feel free to adjust your selection based on your budget and desired level of quality. You can opt for more affordable options or splurge on higher-end materials for a more refined finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Modern Art Table

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s move on to the exciting part: constructing your very own modern art table. Follow these detailed instructions, accompanied by helpful diagrams, to bring your vision to life. Remember to take your time and enjoy the creative process!

Cut the Drainage Pipe: Begin by cutting the 20-foot drainage pipe into eighteen 12-inch sections. If you don’t have a power saw, use the utility knife and stainless steel clamp as a guide to ensure a straight and even cut. This step is crucial for creating a balanced and symmetrical table.
Prepare the Wire Rope: Cut the 26 feet of wire rope in half, resulting in two 13-foot pieces. These will be used to bind the drainage pipe sections together.
Arrange the Pipe Sections: On a flat surface, such as a table, arrange the 12-inch pipe sections in the desired formation, referring to the diagram above for guidance. This step allows you to visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments.
Wrap with Wire Rope (First Section): Take one of the 13-foot pieces of wire rope and thread it around the pipe sections as indicated by the red color in the diagram. Position the rope approximately 3 inches from the end of the tubes. The red wire shows where the wire needs to be threaded around.
Secure with Turnbuckles and Clamps: Pull the wire rope tightly to create a snug fit. Loop the ends of the wire rope through the eyes of the turnbuckles and secure them using the cable clamps. Ensure that the clamps are tightly fastened to prevent slippage.
Cut Excess Rope: Trim any excess wire rope. Save the excess rope from the first section for use in the next step.
Wrap with Wire Rope (Second Section): Use the remaining wire rope to wrap and attach the pipe sections as indicated by the blue part of the diagram. Make sure the tension is consistent with the previous wire.
Slightly Tighten Turnbuckles: Tighten the turnbuckles slightly to begin stabilizing the structure. This step helps to hold the pipe sections in place while you work on the other side.

Flip and Repeat: Carefully flip the formation of tubes upside down. Repeat the wrapping and attachment process, ensuring that the wire rope is positioned approximately 3 inches from the end of the tubes.
Final Tightening: Once you have completed both sides, tighten all of the turnbuckles until the tubes are held together securely and the structure is stable. This step is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of your table.

Congratulations! You have now successfully created your very own modern art table using drainage pipes. Take a moment to admire your handiwork and appreciate the unique character it brings to your home.

Finishing Touches and Versatile Applications

To complete your masterpiece, consider adding a finishing touch. A thick glass or wood top can transform your creation into a functional side table, perfect for holding drinks, books, or displaying decorative items.

Like Jimmy, I also love a practical project! It is a two-fer! This table is double-duty, a great thing, especially since I live in a small space. And, you can make it different sizes too.. it could be a wine rack coffee table, console, or even just a tall piece of modern art… the options are endless!

The versatility of this project extends beyond its function as a side table. With a few modifications, you can adapt it to suit your specific needs and preferences. Imagine transforming it into a wine rack coffee table, a stylish console, or even a striking piece of freestanding modern art. The possibilities are truly endless!

A Special Thanks

A huge thank you to my friend Jimmy for his patience in explaining the process and providing the diagram. He’s a true creative genius! As he’s not in the blogosphere, I wanted to make sure everyone had access to this awesome creation. I feel it is my duty to share!

Holly Westhoff is the founder of adventures of an almost 40 year old intern where she chronicles her experience of starting over from exec to intern and also share lots of intern budget-friendly projects. (She works for free).